Classic Poem

BY PRIVATES, OF COLORS CAPTURED IN BATTLES ENDING IN THE SURRENDER OF LEE

These flags of armies overthrown —
Flags fallen beneath the sovereign one
In end foredoomed which closes war;
We here, the captors, lay before
The altar which of right claims all —
Our Country. And as freely we,
Revering ever her sacred call,
Could lay our lives down — though life be
Thrice loved and precious to the sense
Of such as reap the recompense
Of life imperiled for just cause —
Imperiled, and yet preserved;
While comrades, whom Duty as strongly nerved,
Whose wives were all as dear, lie low.
But these flags given, glad we go
To waiting homes with vindicated laws.